The use of tobacco is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. Each year, tobacco use is responsible for more than 440,000 deaths, including almost 50,000 caused by secondhand smoke. According to the American Cancer Society, 21% of adults, 20% of high school students, and 5% of middle school students were smokers in 2009. Smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths, making smoking cessation (quitting smoking) the single most important thing a person can do to lower his or her individual cancer risk.

In addition to cigarettes, other forms of tobacco use include cigar/pipe smoking and smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco and snuff. Smokeless tobacco is not a safe substitute for smoking because it can also cause various cancers.

Tobacco use is associated with increased risk for at least 15 types of cancer, including:

Acute myeloid leukemia Bladder Cervix Esophagus Kidney Larynx Lip Lung

Nasal cavity Nasopharynx Oral cavity Pancreas Paranasal sinus Pharynx Stomach

Here is some more information on tobacco use and quitting smoking:

Tobacco and Cancer

Tobacco Use During Cancer Treatment

Health Risks of Water Pipes, Smokeless Tobacco, and E-cigarettes

Secondhand Smoke and Cancer

Give Your Kids a Smoke-Free Childhood

History of Smoking Significantly Reduces Survival for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Study Finds That Patients Who Quit Smoking During Lung Cancer Treatment Live Longer

Quitting Smoking

Quitting Smoking

Cancer.Net Podcast: Tobacco Use

ASCO Expert Corner: Questions and Myths About Quitting Smoking

Resources to Help You Quit Smoking

Tobacco Regulation

President Obama Signs FDA Tobacco Bill into Law

Statement of ASCO President on Signing of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

Last Updated: June 09, 2011